We obsess about how important healthy eating is for us, but there are a few other people who rely on us to keep them eating well, too… our children! Making sure kids eat what's good for them can be difficult since foods packed with nutrition don't always please their tastebuds. But teaching kids healthy habits early on will make them want to eat healthy food later, which is a win for everyone. Here are 12 fabulous recipes to keep your kids happy and eating what is good, not just what tastes good.
Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches
This sandwich is a great dupe for the real deal in a handheld vegan package. (via Brit + Co)
Apple Cheddar Waffles
Take sweet and savory to a whole new level with these apple cheddar waffles; we promise your kiddos will love every bite. (via Brit + Co)
Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket
This base of crescent rolls, cheese, and breakfast sausages are so yummy that your kids won’t even notice they’re eating veggie links. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 Animal-Style Burgers
Make sure to use high quality minced meat for healthier burgers. You can also substitute beef for chicken or lamb. (via Brit + Co)
Paleo Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Less oil and no frying means your kids can eat as many of their favorite chicken nuggets as they want. Well, sort of. (via Brit + Co)
Thick Cut Oven Fries
Here’s another no-fry situation that leaves everyone, and their stomachs, happy. (via Brit + Co/America’s Test Kitchen)
5-Ingredient Bean Burgers
Beans are a good source of protein, and mixed with walnuts and cilantro they create a consistency that’s a perfect substitute for burger meat. (via Brit + Co)
Chicken Pineapple Skewers
Yawn, chicken can get oh-so-boring. Add some pineapple and a coconut peanut sauce to add some flare. (via Brit + Co)
This recipe turns a grilled cheese sandwich into a filling meal with its nutritious ingredients like vegetables, instead of leaving your kids to fill up on cheese. (via Cooking Classy)
Wondering how to introduce different vegetables to your kids? Like this! (via Damn Delicious)
If you can sneak all these healthy seeds and fruit in into yogurt, you rule. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Superfood Egg Sandwich
Boiled eggs are a handy thing to keep available in the fridge. You can pull 'em out and whip up this yummy dish in just a matter of minutes. (via Brit + Co)
Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspo!
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Isara Krieger
Isara is a photographer who loves words, and a writer who sees the world as a series of photographs. She's an East-to-West-Coast transplant who eats a lot. You can find her foodie insights on her blog Alone With A Cupcake, where she shares her thoughts on the best restaurants in Boston, San Francisco and places in between.
FAQs
Teenagers aged 12-13 years should aim for 2 serves of fruit; 5-5½ serves of vegies; 3½ serves of dairy; 5-6 serves of grains; and 2½ serves of lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds or legumes. Teens need plenty of water – the cheapest, healthiest and most thirst-quenching drink.
What food can a 12 year old cook? ›
"By 12 years old, children should be able to bake a cake independently and cook simple meals, such as beans on toast, eggs, or porridge.
What are the healthy food choices for kids? ›
Choose seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Fruits. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruits. Look for canned fruit that says it's light or packed in its own juice.
What is the best diet for a 12 year old to lose weight? ›
The best way to diet is to eat a variety of healthy food in the right amount. Choose more fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, and drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks. Cut back on fried foods, sweets, chips, and other junk food.
How many times should a 12 year old eat a day? ›
Helpful feeding information for your school-age child
School-age children (ages 6 to 12) need healthy foods and nutritious snacks. They have a consistent but slow rate of growth and usually eat 4 to 5 times a day (including snacks). Many food habits, likes, and dislikes are set during this time.
What should a 13 year old eat for dinner? ›
What to feed your teenager
- At least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Meals based on starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice. ...
- Some milk and dairy products or alternatives. ...
- Some foods that are good sources of protein such as meat, fish, eggs, beans and lentils.
Aim to make half of their plate fruits and vegetables, one-quarter whole grains like bread or whole-wheat pasta, and one-quarter protein like eggs, meat, cheese, beans or nuts. Offer variety. Remember that your job as the parent is to offer a variety of food; it's your child's job to eat it.
What meal is at 12? ›
Lunch – eaten around mid-day, usually between 11 am and 3 pm. In some areas, the name for this meal depends on its content.
At what age should kids start making their own food? ›
“In general, around kindergarten (age 5 or 6), a child should be able to pour milk and cereal for themselves. A slightly older child (age 7 or 8) could likely make toast or waffles in a toaster after being supervised initially,” Reshmi Basu M.D., a CHOC pediatrician, tells Romper.
Which food is good for children's brain? ›
Baby brain food: 7 foods to fuel brain development
- Key nutrients for baby brain development. ...
- Best foods for baby and toddler brain development. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Seafood. ...
- Leafy green vegetables. ...
- Lean beef (or meat alternative) ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Nuts & seeds.
Feeding Your Child - Ages 10-12
| Food Group | Suggested Servings |
|---|
| Milk/Dairy Milk Yogurt Cheese | 4 daily |
| Meat/Protein* Beef, Pork, Fish, Poultry Eggs Peanut Butter | 4 daily |
| Fruit/Vegetables Fruit Fruit Juice Vegetables | 4-6 daily |
| Breads/Cereals Whole grain bread Hot cereal, rice, pasta Ready-to-eat cereal Crackers | 6-11 daily |
2 more rowsHere are the top 15 foods you should be eating according to our experts:
- Fish. ...
- Broccoli or any of the cruciferous vegetables. ...
- Beets. ...
- Spinach and other leafy green vegetables. ...
- Kale. ...
- Peanut butter. ...
- Almonds. ...
- Mangos.
Top 10 Foods for the Growing Child
- Berries. Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Cow's milk. ...
- Peanut butter. ...
- Wholegrain foods. ...
- Meat. ...
- Fish. ...
- Cheese.
Fitness at Home
- Make physical activity part of the daily routine. ...
- Allow enough time for free play. ...
- Keep a variety of games and sports equipment on hand. ...
- Be active together. ...
- Limit time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching TV, using electronic devices, being online, and playing video games.
Here are 10 great foods to add or increase in your diet.
- Almonds. Nuts eaten whole are considered a protein, in the same category as seeds, meats and eggs. ...
- Apples. Most people could use more fruit in their daily diet, according to surveys. ...
- Beans. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Salmon. ...
- Sweet potatoes. ...
- Wheat germ.
This sandwich is a great dupe for the real deal in a handheld vegan package. (via Brit + Co)
Take sweet and savory to a whole new level with these apple cheddar waffles; we promise your kiddos will love every bite. (via Brit + Co)
This base of crescent rolls, cheese, and breakfast sausages are so yummy that your kids won’t even notice they’re eating veggie links. (via Brit + Co)
Less oil and no frying means your kids can eat as many of their favorite chicken nuggets as they want. Well, sort of. (via Brit + Co)
Here’s another no-fry situation that leaves everyone, and their stomachs, happy. (via Brit + Co/America’s Test Kitchen)
Beans are a good source of protein, and mixed with walnuts and cilantro they create a consistency that’s a perfect substitute for burger meat. (via Brit + Co)
Yawn, chicken can get oh-so-boring. Add some pineapple and a coconut peanut sauce to add some flare. (via Brit + Co)
This recipe turns a grilled cheese sandwich into a filling meal with its nutritious ingredients like vegetables, instead of leaving your kids to fill up on cheese. (via Cooking Classy)
Wondering how to introduce different vegetables to your kids? Like this! (via Damn Delicious)
If you can sneak all these healthy seeds and fruit in into yogurt, you rule. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
